Mechanical Engineering Career Salary
Factors that Affect Salary
The salary of a mechanical engineer can vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- Experience: Mechanical engineers with more experience typically earn higher salaries than those with less experience.
- Education: Mechanical engineers with a master’s degree or higher typically earn higher salaries than those with a bachelor’s degree.
- Location: Mechanical engineers who work in large metropolitan areas typically earn higher salaries than those who work in smaller towns or rural areas.
- Industry: Mechanical engineers who work in the automotive industry typically earn higher salaries than those who work in other industries.
- Company size: Mechanical engineers who work for large companies typically earn higher salaries than those who work for small companies.
Average Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for mechanical engineers was $90,160 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $55,260, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $132,280.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for mechanical engineers is expected to be good over the next several years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of mechanical engineers will grow 4 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to be driven by the increasing demand for mechanical engineers in the manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace industries.
Conclusion
Mechanical engineering is a rewarding career that offers a good salary and job outlook. If you are interested in a career in mechanical engineering, there are a number of things you can do to increase your earning potential, including gaining experience, getting a higher education, and working in a high-paying industry.
